PRO/CON: Are the new elevated beach houses on the Bolivar Peninsula a welcome development?

ENTERPRISE OPINIONS

Published 12:00 am, Monday, April 12, 2010

OUR VIEW: New beach houses benefit Bolivar

The people building the new style of elevated homes on Crystal Beach aren't just brave and optimistic. They're smart. They know that these houses have a much better chance of withstanding hurricanes. In fact, several of them did when Ike's winds and water roared ashore in 2008.

These aren't the old beach cabins that many people remember from years gone by. Most of those homes were wiped out by Ike.

The new homes are much higher - as much as 19 or 20 feet on lots close to the Gulf. For that reason, they're nicknamed "bird houses." They have sturdier designs and often are painted in bright colors.

The folks building these homes know the risks they face. Yet they are willing to spend money anyway on their dream homes - and the accompanying insurance.

Unlike so many in our society, they aren't asking for handouts or special favors. They should be applauded for investing in a peninsula that some wanted to abandon. Texas needs more people like them.

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ANOTHER VIEW: Higher houses still vulnerable

The new elevated "bird houses" on Crystal Beach may be marginally safer than the traditional beach cabins they replaced. But they are still just a few dozen or a few hundred feet from the Gulf of Mexico on a barely elevated peninsula. As such, they remain vulnerable to hurricanes and even tropical storms. Their residents will still have to evacuate when danger approaches, placing burdens on government.

As bad as Ike was, it was only a Category 2 storm when it made landfall. If the Bolivar Peninsula is struck by a Category 4 or 5 hurricane, even these new and improved beach homes probably would be leveled.

Even if these homes are fully covered, insurance companies will still try to make up those losses with higher premiums for people who didn't take needless risks.

Texas doesn't need more development in fragile coastal zones. We have a huge state with plenty of safe areas. We simply don't need to try to beat the odds and defy nature.

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FEEDBACK: What do you think? Are the new elevated beach houses a welcome development or not? Post your comments below.